News release

Extra Support for Community Generators, Rink Repairs

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

The Province is helping community organizations purchase generators and supporting much-needed repairs at rural arenas.

The support includes $4 million for the Community Generator Program, introduced in September after hurricane Fiona, bringing the fund’s total for 2022-23 to $6 million.

“We saw during hurricane Fiona that community centres play a critical role in providing comfort, warmth and safety in a storm,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “We want to make sure that centres across the province are equipped to support their communities. The demand for the new generator fund was high, and we’ve increased funding to meet the demand.”

Applications for the program closed in November, and applicants will be contacted in the coming weeks.

Another $500,000 will support repairs at three community rinks:

  • $370,000 to replace the ice plant at the Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena in Thorburn, Pictou County
  • $100,000 to help replace the ice chiller at the Shelburne County Arena
  • $33,500 for emergency repairs at the Parrsboro Lions Arena and Community Centre.

Quotes:

“I would like to thank the provincial government for recognizing the importance of the arena to the residents of Pictou East. With this announcement, the arena will be replacing our original ice plant that operated for the arena’s 48 years. The new ice plant will replace our current R22 freon plant with more environmentally friendly equipment. As a result, we will be able to continue to provide a recreation facility to promote sports and physical activity for all ages. The arena is an essential part of the community, and this funding will allow us to continue to operate.”

– Randy Palmer, Director, District 13 Recreation and Planning Commission, which owns and operates the Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena

Additional Resources:

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage funding programs: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future